With the rapid growth of the TON and Telegram ecosystem, there are currently more than 38 million active accounts. While this wave of growth brings many opportunities, it also comes with greater risks. Scammers and malicious actors are targeting these new, inexperienced users in an attempt to leverage TON and Telegram to bring the convenience of cryptocurrency to everyone. While cryptocurrencies offer exciting opportunities, in the most secure ecosystems we still need to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks. This article will guide you through the most common scams and share some tips to protect yourself.
Common fraud techniques
1. Urgent Scam: Scammers will pretend to be friends or family members and request money urgently. When you receive such a request, be sure to verify the identity of the other party. This can be confirmed by phone or other channels, never rely solely on information.
2. Phishing: Fake websites imitate real websites to steal login information. Please verify the URL carefully before use and avoid clicking on unknown links. Be vigilant, especially when entering sensitive information.
3. Investment scams: This type of scam is very common in the cryptocurrency field, usually promising high returns without providing evidence. Always conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam.
4. Fake surveys: Scammers offer rewards for taking surveys that are actually meant to steal your personal information. Avoid sharing any details with unknown investigators.
5. Fake Job Opportunities: Attractive job ads ask for personal information or payment. Always verify through official channels before applying.
6. Classified ad scams: Fake ads lead you to fraudulent Telegram bots that steal your information. Please be cautious about ads from unknown sources.
7. Price manipulation (Pump and Dump) Some groups will manipulate cryptocurrency prices to gain profits, ultimately causing others to suffer losses. Always conduct research and verify recommendations before making any investment.
8. Online romance scams: In relationships established online, scammers may ask for money or personal information. Be wary of online acquaintances asking you for money.
Fraudulent Techniques in the TON Ecosystem
Telegram’s support for the TON blockchain has unfortunately attracted scammers seeking to take advantage of innocent users. The following is the detailed process of the fraud:
Setup phase: The scammer will send a link claiming to be an "exclusive money-making scheme" that appears to come from a friend or contact. They would push users to join an unofficial Telegram bot, falsely claiming it was for storing cryptocurrency.
Investment stage: Users are instructed to purchase Toncoin through legitimate channels such as Wallet, P2P marketplaces or cryptocurrency exchanges, which adds to the credibility of the scam to a certain extent. Once purchased, users must transfer their Toncoins to the scam bot.
Forced purchase of "enhancers"
Victims are forced to purchase "enhancers" through another bot, priced between 5 and 500 Toncoin. At this stage, users will lose their cryptocurrency.
Recruitment phase: Scammers will promote referral programs, asking users to create private Telegram groups and invite friends. They promise to receive a fixed payment of 25 TON for each friend they refer, as well as a commission based on the boosters purchased by the referrer.
In fact, this is a typical pyramid scheme. Scammers make money while others lose their investments.
How to protect yourself
To protect yourself from online scams and keep your Telegram account safe, follow these necessary steps:
Enable two-factor authentication: To enable two-factor authentication in Telegram, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Two-Step Authentication. This will provide an extra layer of security for your account.
Stay alert: Stay alert for suspicious activity and check your account security settings regularly. Don’t share personal information easily, especially on unknown websites or apps.
Use official channels: When managing your Toncoin, always use official channels and avoid using unknown Telegram bots or websites. This reduces the risk of being scammed.
Conduct Research: Always conduct detailed research before making any investment. Understand market dynamics and refer to professional opinions and suggestions.
in conclusion
As the TON and Telegram ecosystems continue to grow, the growing user base also attracts scammers. By staying informed, being alert to common scams, and following the advice above, you can enjoy the convenience of TON and Telegram while protecting your assets. Remember, safety always comes first!